Malawi Health Officials: Cancer Deaths High Due to Lack of Awareness
The ministry emphasized that while there are several types of cancer affecting children, women, and men, many people are only familiar with cervical cancer.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Malawi's Ministry of Health has reported that a lack of cancer awareness in rural areas is contributing to a high death rate from the disease, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
Dr. Lilian Chunda, Chief of Health Services Technical at the ministry, said rural residents often lack access to digital technology and rely on traditional communication methods.
"We need to go and reach out to them in communities to sensitize them about the symptoms and prevention of cancer," Chunda said.
According to health officials, cancer alone contributes to 48% of premature deaths in the country, a figure Chunda described as "huge."
The ministry emphasized that while there are several types of cancer affecting children, women, and men, many people are only familiar with cervical cancer.
Chunda called for unity among stakeholders to educate the public about various cancer types, symptoms, and prevention methods to reduce mortality rates.
Dr. Tamiwe Tomoka, director of the cancer program at UNC Project Malawi, said her organization is working with the government to combat cancer.
"We have a laboratory to diagnose cancer, and people who feel symptoms can come for screening and get treated. We are fully supporting the government for cancer care," Tomoka said.
She added that radiotherapy treatment will be available later this year, which is expected to improve outcomes for certain types of cancer.